Make sure your dog has a healthy diet 

Facts

• Without water to drink, a dog may become seriously ill within hours.
   
• A dog needs a well-balanced diet to stay fit and healthy.
   
• Dogs need particular food to keep them healthy – most human meals will not provide dogs with the nutrition they need.
   
• Some human foods, such as chocolate and onions, can be poisonous to dogs.
   
• An individual dog’s dietary needs depend on its age, lifestyle and its state of health.
   
• How much a dog needs to eat depends on its diet, its body weight and how active it is.
   
• If a dog eats more food than it needs, it will become overweight and may suffer.

Things you should do

• Provide your dog with constant access to clean drinking water.
   
• Make sure your dog eats a balanced diet suitable for its age, lifestyle and health status.
   
• Feed your dog at least once each day, unless advised otherwise by your vet.
   
• Read and follow the feeding instructions on any dog foods that you buy.
   
• Adjust how much you feed your dog to make sure it does not become under or overweight.
   
• If your dog’s eating or drinking habits change, consult your vet, as your dog could be ill.